Leadless cardiac pacemaker with delivery and/or retrieval features

ABSTRACT

An implantable leadless cardiac pacing device and associated delivery and retrieval devices. The implantable device includes a docking member extending from the proximal end of the housing of the implantable device configured to engage with the delivery and/or retrieval device to facilitate delivery and/or retrieval of the implantable leadless cardiac pacing device.

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation application of U.S. application Ser. No. 15/292,679, filed Oct. 13, 2016, which is a continuation application of U.S. application Ser. No. 14/451,601, filed on Aug. 5, 2014, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,492,674, which claims the benefit of priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/866,644, filed on Aug. 16, 2013, which are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The disclosure is directed to implantable cardiac devices. More particularly, the disclosure is directed to leadless cardiac stimulators or pacemakers including delivery and/or retrieval features.

BACKGROUND

Cardiac pacemakers provide electrical stimulation to heart tissue to cause the heart to contract and thus pump blood through the vascular system. Conventional pacemakers typically include an electrical lead that extends from a pulse generator implanted subcutaneously or sub-muscularly to an electrode positioned adjacent the inside or outside wall of the cardiac chamber. As an alternative to conventional pacemakers, self-contained or leadless cardiac pacemakers have been proposed. Leadless cardiac pacemakers are small capsules typically fixed to an intracardiac implant site in a cardiac chamber with a fixation mechanism engaging the intracardiac tissue. The small capsule typically includes bipolar pacing/sensing electrodes, a power source (e.g. a battery), and associated electrical circuitry for controlling the pacing/sensing electrodes, and thus provide electrical stimulation to heart tissue and/or sense a physiological condition.

Accordingly, there it is desirable to provide alternative structures to facilitate delivering leadless cardiac pacemakers to an implantation site in a heart chamber and/or retrieving leadless cardiac pacemakers from an implantation site in a heart chamber.

SUMMARY

The disclosure is directed to several alternative designs, materials and methods of manufacturing medical device structures and assemblies, and uses thereof.

Accordingly, one illustrative embodiment is an implantable leadless cardiac pacing device. The implantable device includes a housing, an electrode positioned proximate the distal end of the housing configured to be positioned adjacent cardiac tissue, and a docking member extending from the proximal end of the housing along a longitudinal axis of the housing. The docking member is configured to facilitate retrieval of the implantable leadless cardiac pacing device. The docking member includes a head portion and a neck portion extending between the housing and the head portion. The head portion has a radial dimension from the longitudinal axis and the neck portion has a radial dimension from the longitudinal axis less than the radial dimension of the head portion. The head portion includes a recess extending into the head portion from a proximal surface of the head portion for receiving a rotational driving instrument.

Another illustrative embodiment is an implantable leadless cardiac pacing device. The implantable device includes a housing, an electrode positioned proximate the distal end of the housing configured to be positioned adjacent cardiac tissue, and a docking member extending from the proximal end of the housing along a longitudinal axis of the housing. The docking member is configured to facilitate retrieval of the implantable leadless cardiac pacing device. The docking member includes a head portion and a neck portion extending between the housing and the head portion. The head portion has a radial dimension from the longitudinal axis and the neck portion has a radial dimension from the longitudinal axis less than the radial dimension of the head portion. The head portion includes a plurality of radially extending spokes extending radially outward from the longitudinal axis of the housing.

Another illustrative embodiment is a system for implanting an implantable leadless cardiac pacing device. The system includes an implantable cardiac pacing device and a delivery device. The implantable cardiac pacing device has a housing, an electrode positioned proximate a distal end of the housing, and a docking member extending from a proximal end of the housing opposite the distal end. The docking member includes a head portion and a neck portion extending between the housing and the head portion. The delivery device includes an elongate shaft and a driver mechanism at a distal end of the elongate shaft. The driver mechanism is configured for engagement with the head portion of the docking member. The driver mechanism includes a first lug configured to engage a recess extending into the head portion from a proximal surface of the head portion. In some instances, the driver mechanism includes first and second spaced apart lugs configured to engage first and second portions of the recess, respectively, with a member extending across the recess positioned between the first and second lugs.

Another illustrative embodiment is a system for retrieving an implantable leadless cardiac pacing device. The system includes an implantable cardiac pacing device and a retrieval device. The implantable cardiac pacing device has a housing having a longitudinal axis, an electrode positioned proximate a distal end of the housing, and a docking member extending from a proximal end of the housing opposite the distal end. The docking member includes a head portion and a neck portion extending between the housing and the head portion. The head portion includes a plurality of radially extending spokes extending radially outward from the longitudinal axis of the housing. The retrieval device includes a snare having an elongate shaft and one or more loops at a distal end of the elongate shaft. The one or more loops of the retrieval device are capable of encircling one or more of the radially extending spokes to capture the docking member with the snare.

Another illustrative embodiment is a method of implanting an implantable cardiac pacing device. The method includes advancing an implantable cardiac pacing device into a chamber of a heart with a delivery device. The implantable cardiac pacing device includes a helical fixation mechanism extending from a distal end of a housing of the implantable cardiac pacing device and a docking member extending from a proximal end of the housing. The docking member includes a head portion and a neck portion extending between the housing and the head portion. The method further includes rotating an elongate shaft of the delivery device to rotate the helical fixation mechanism into cardiac tissue. The delivery device includes a driver mechanism at a distal end of the elongate shaft. The driver mechanism includes a first lug engaged in a recess of the head portion of the docking member to transfer rotational motion from the driver mechanism to the implantable cardiac pacing device.

Yet another illustrative embodiment is a method of retrieving an implantable cardiac pacing device from a heart. The implantable cardiac pacing device has a housing having a longitudinal axis, an electrode positioned proximate a distal end of the housing, and a docking member extending from a proximal end of the housing opposite the distal end. The docking member includes a head portion and a neck portion extending between the housing and the head portion. The head portion includes a plurality of radially extending spokes extending radially outward from the longitudinal axis of the housing. The method includes advancing a snare into a heart having the implantable cardiac pacing device implanted therein and encircling the docking member with a loop of the snare. The loop is then cinched around a portion of the docking member and the snare is actuated proximally to pull the implantable cardiac pacing device into a lumen of a retrieval catheter.

The above summary of some example embodiments is not intended to describe each disclosed embodiment or every implementation of the aspects of the disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The aspects of the disclosure may be more completely understood in consideration of the following detailed description of various embodiments in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary implantable device implanted in a chamber of a heart;

FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary retrieval device capturing an implantable device during a retrieval procedure;

FIG. 3 illustrates another exemplary retrieval device capturing an implantable device during a retrieval procedure;

FIGS. 4A-4C illustrate an exemplary docking member of an implantable device;

FIGS. 5A-5C illustrate another exemplary docking member of an implantable device;

FIGS. 6A-6C illustrate another exemplary docking member of an implantable device;

FIGS. 7A-7C illustrate another exemplary docking member of an implantable device;

FIGS. 8A-8C illustrate another exemplary docking member of an implantable device;

FIGS. 9A-9C illustrate another exemplary docking member of an implantable device;

FIGS. 10A-10C illustrate another exemplary docking member of an implantable device;

FIGS. 11A-11C illustrate another exemplary docking member of an implantable device;

FIGS. 12A-12C illustrate another exemplary docking member of an implantable device;

FIGS. 13A-13C illustrate another exemplary docking member of an implantable device;

FIGS. 14A-14C illustrate another exemplary docking member of an implantable device;

FIGS. 15A-15C illustrate another exemplary docking member of an implantable device;

FIGS. 16A-16C illustrate another exemplary docking member of an implantable device;

FIG. 17A illustrates an exemplary delivery device for delivering an implantable device;

FIG. 17B illustrates the delivery device of FIG. 17A in engagement with the docking member of the implantable device of FIGS. 15A-15C;

FIG. 17C illustrates the delivery device of FIG. 17A in engagement with the docking member of the implantable device of FIGS. 16A-16C; and

FIGS. 18A-18D illustrate alternative embodiments of a driver mechanism for a rotational driving instrument.

While the aspects of the disclosure are amenable to various modifications and alternative forms, specifics thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the intention is not to limit aspects of the disclosure to the particular embodiments described. On the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

For the following defined terms, these definitions shall be applied, unless a different definition is given in the claims or elsewhere in this specification.

All numeric values are herein assumed to be modified by the term “about”, whether or not explicitly indicated. The term “about” generally refers to a range of numbers that one of skill in the art would consider equivalent to the recited value (i.e., having the same function or result). In many instances, the term “about” may be indicative as including numbers that are rounded to the nearest significant figure.

The recitation of numerical ranges by endpoints includes all numbers within that range (e.g., 1 to 5 includes 1, 1.5, 2, 2.75, 3, 3.80, 4, and 5).

Although some suitable dimensions, ranges and/or values pertaining to various components, features and/or specifications are disclosed, one of skill in the art, incited by the present disclosure, would understand desired dimensions, ranges and/or values may deviate from those expressly disclosed.

As used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” include plural referents unless the content clearly dictates otherwise. As used in this specification and the appended claims, the term “or” is generally employed in its sense including “and/or” unless the content clearly dictates otherwise.

The following detailed description should be read with reference to the drawings in which similar elements in different drawings are numbered the same. The detailed description and the drawings, which are not necessarily to scale, depict illustrative embodiments and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure. The illustrative embodiments depicted are intended only as exemplary. Selected features of any illustrative embodiment may be incorporated into an additional embodiment unless clearly stated to the contrary.

Referring to FIG. 1, an exemplary implantable leadless cardiac pacing device 10 (e.g., a leadless pacemaker) is illustrated implanted in a chamber of a heart H, such as the apex of the right ventricle RV. The implantable device 10 may include a shell or housing 12 having a proximal end 14 and a distal end 16. The implantable device 10 may include a first electrode 20 positioned proximate the distal end 16 of the housing 12 and a second electrode 22 positioned proximate the proximal end 14 of the housing 12. The electrodes 20, 22 may be sensing and/or pacing electrodes to provide electro-therapy and/or sensing capabilities. The first electrode 20 may be configured to be positioned against or otherwise contact the cardiac tissue of the heart H while the second electrode 22 may be spaced away from the first electrode 20, and thus spaced away from the cardiac tissue.

The implantable device 10 may include a pulse generator (e.g., electrical circuitry) and a power source (e.g., a battery) within the housing 12 to provide electrical signals to the electrodes 20, 22 and thus control the pacing/sensing electrodes 20, 22. Electrical communication between pulse generator and the electrodes 20, 22 may provide electrical stimulation to heart tissue and/or sense a physiological condition.

The implantable device 10 may include a fixation mechanism 24 proximate the distal end 16 of the housing 12 configured to attach the implantable device 10 to a tissue wall of the heart H, or otherwise anchor the implantable device 10 to the anatomy of the patient. As shown in FIG. 1, in some instances, the fixation mechanism 24 may include one or more, or a plurality of hooks 26 anchored into the cardiac tissue of the heart H to attach the implantable device 10 to a tissue wall. In other instances, the fixation mechanism 24 may include one or more, or a plurality of passive tines, configured to entangle with trabeculae within the chamber of the heart H and/or a helical fixation anchor configured to be screwed into a tissue wall to anchor the implantable device 10 to the heart H.

The implantable device 10 may include a docking member 30 proximate the proximal end 14 of the housing 12 configured to facilitate delivery and/or retrieval of the implantable device 10. For example, the docking member 30 may extend from the proximal end 14 of the housing 12 along a longitudinal axis of the housing 12. The docking member 30 may include a head portion 32 and a neck portion 34 extending between the housing 12 and the head portion 32. The head portion 32 may be an enlarged portion relative to the neck portion 34. For example, the head portion 32 may have a radial dimension from the longitudinal axis of the implantable device 10 which is greater than a radial dimension of the neck portion from the longitudinal axis of the implantable device 10. The docking member 30 may be configured to facilitate delivery of the implantable device 10 to the intracardiac site and/or retrieval of the implantable device 10 from the intracardiac site. Some exemplary embodiments of the docking member 30 are described in further detail herein.

If it is desired to retrieve the implantable device 10 from the heart H, a retrieval device 50 may be advanced into the chamber of the heart H to capture the implantable device 10 and remove the implantable device 10 from the heart H. One exemplary retrieval device 50 is illustrated in FIG. 2. The retrieval device 50 may include a snare 52 advanceable from a lumen 58 of a retrieval catheter 54. The snare 52 may include one or more, or a plurality of loops 56 extending from a distal end of the snare 52 configured to engage the docking member 30 of the implantable device 10. The snare 52 shown in FIG. 2 includes three loops 56 formed by elongate filaments extending from the shaft of the snare 52. Once the loop(s) 56 of the snare 52 has captured the docking member 30, the snare 52 may be actuated proximally relative to the retrieval catheter 54 to pull the implantable device 10 into the lumen 58 of the retrieval catheter 54. The enlarged size of the head portion 32 relative to the neck portion 34 may permit the loop 56 of the snare 52 to encircle the neck portion 34 below (i.e., distal of) the head portion 32 and retain the loop 56 around the docking member 30 as the snare 52 is pulled proximally. As the implantable device 10 is pulled into the retrieval catheter 54, the fixation mechanism 24 may disengage from the heart tissue to detach the implantable device 10 from the heart wall. For example, the hooks 26 may elongate as the implantable device 10 is drawn proximally into the lumen 58 of the retrieval catheter 54. Thereafter, the retrieval device 50, with the implantable device 10 captured in the lumen of the retrieval catheter 54 with the snare 52, may be withdrawn from the heart H.

Another exemplary retrieval device 50 is illustrated in FIG. 3. Similar to FIG. 2, the retrieval device 50 may include a snare 52 advanceable from a lumen 58 of a retrieval catheter 54. The snare 52 may include one or more, or a plurality of loops 56 extending from a distal end of the snare 52 configured to engage the docking member 30 of the implantable device 10. The snare 52 shown in FIG. 3 includes a single loop 56 formed by an elongate filament extending from the shaft of the snare 52. Once the loop 56 of the snare 52 has captured the docking member 30, the snare 52 may be actuated proximally relative to the retrieval catheter 54 to pull the implantable device 10 into the lumen 58 of the retrieval catheter 54. The enlarged size of the head portion 32 relative to the neck portion 34 may permit the loop 56 of the snare 52 to encircle the neck portion 34 below (i.e., distal of) the head portion 32 and retain the loop 56 around the docking member 30 as the snare 52 is pulled proximally. As the implantable device 10 is pulled into the retrieval catheter 54, the fixation mechanism 30 may disengage from the heart tissue to detach the implantable device 10 from the heart wall. For example, the hooks 26 may elongate as the implantable device 10 is drawn proximally into the lumen 58 of the retrieval catheter 54. Thereafter, the retrieval device 50, with the implantable device 10 captured in the lumen of the retrieval catheter 54 with the snare 52, may be withdrawn from the heart H.

FIGS. 4A-4C illustrate one exemplary docking member 30 located at the proximal end 14 of the implantable device 10. The docking member 30 shown in FIGS. 4A-4C may include a head portion 32 and a neck portion 34 extending between the housing 12 and the head portion 32. The head portion 32 may be a generally spherically shaped ball, having a diameter D1 greater than the diameter D2 of the neck portion 34. The docking member 30 may also include a passage 36 extending through a portion of the docking member 30 to receive a tether 80 (shown in phantom lines) which will be further described later herein. For example, the passage 36 may extend through the head portion 32 from a first side to a second side of the head portion 32. The spherical shape of the head portion 32 may provide an atraumatic profile, inhibiting tissue growth or entanglement around the docking member 30.

FIGS. 5A-5C illustrate another exemplary docking member 30 located at the proximal end 14 of the implantable device 10. The docking member 30 shown in FIGS. 5A-5C may include a head portion 32 and a neck portion 34 extending between the housing 12 and the head portion 32. The head portion 32 may be a generally disc shaped element having an upper surface 62 and an opposing lower surface 64. In some instances, the upper surface 62 and/or the lower surface 64 may be a spherically convex surface while in other instances the upper surface 62 and/or the lower surface 64 may be a spherically concave surface or a planar surface, for example. The head portion 32 may have a diameter D1 greater than the diameter D2 of the neck portion 34. Although not shown, the docking member 30 may also include a passage extending through a portion of the docking member 30 to receive a tether (described later herein). For example, a passage may extend through the head portion 32 from a first side to a second side of the head portion 32, or a passage may extend through the neck portion 34 from a first side to a second side of the neck portion 34. The shape of the head portion 32 may provide an atraumatic profile, inhibiting tissue growth or entanglement around the docking member 30.

FIGS. 6A-6C illustrate another exemplary docking member 30 located at the proximal end 14 of the implantable device 10. The docking member 30 shown in FIGS. 6A-6C may include a head portion 32 and a neck portion 34 extending between the housing 12 and the head portion 32. The head portion 32 may be generally knob shaped, having a diameter D1 greater than the diameter D2 of the neck portion 34. The docking member 30 may also include a passage 36 extending through a portion of the docking member 30 to receive a tether 80 (shown in phantom) further described later herein. For example, the head portion 32 may include a central opening 66 extending into the head portion 32. A pin 68 may extend into or across the opening 66. For example, as shown in FIG. 6C the pin 68 may extend from a first side to a second side of the opening 66. In other instances, the pin 68 may extend into the opening 66 from a first side toward a second side of the opening 66, but not entirely across the opening 66 to the second side. The passage 36 may extend under the pin 68 such that the tether may be passed around the pin 68. The shape of the head portion 32 may provide an atraumatic profile, inhibiting tissue growth or entanglement around the docking member 30.

FIGS. 7A-7C illustrate another exemplary docking member 30 located at the proximal end 14 of the implantable device 10. The docking member 30 shown in FIGS. 7A-7C may include a head portion 32 and a neck portion 34 extending between the housing 12 and the head portion 32. The head portion 32 may include a plurality of enlarged portions 70 spaced apart by a reduced diameter necked portion 72. In some instances, the enlarged portions 70 may be generally knob shaped, having a diameter D1 greater than the diameter D3 of the necked portion between the enlarged portions 70 and the diameter D2 of the neck portion 34. Multiple enlarged portions 70 may facilitate engaging the docking member 30 with the loop(s) 56 of the snare 52 during retrieval of the implantable device 10. The shape of the head portion 32 may provide an atraumatic profile, inhibiting tissue growth or entanglement around the docking member 30.

The docking member 30 may also include a passage 36 extending through a portion of the docking member 30 to receive a tether (described later herein). For example, the head portion 32 may include a central opening 66 extending into the head portion 32. A pin 68 may extend into or across the opening 66. For example, as shown in FIG. 7C the pin 68 may extend from a first side to a second side of the opening 66. In other instances, the pin 68 may extend into the opening 66 from a first side toward a second side of the opening 66, but not entirely across the opening 66 to the second side. The passage 36 may extend under the pin 68 such that the tether may be passed around the pin 68.

FIGS. 8A-8C illustrate another exemplary docking member 30 located at the proximal end 14 of the implantable device 10. The docking member 30 shown in FIGS. 8A-8C may include a head portion 32 and a neck portion 34 extending between the housing 12 and the head portion 32. The head portion 32 may have a diameter D1 greater than the diameter D2 of the neck portion 34. The head portion 32 may include a plurality of spokes 70 extending radially from the longitudinal axis of the implantable device 10, with spaces defined between adjacent spokes 70. The spokes 70 may be symmetrically or asymmetrically arranged around the longitudinal axis X. For example, the head portion 32 may include four spokes 70 uniformly arranged around the longitudinal axis X about 90 degrees apart. As shown in FIG. 8X, the free ends 72 of the radially extending spokes 70 may angle (e.g., curve) toward the distal end 16 of the implantable device 10, in some instances. For example, an upper surface 74 and/or a lower surface 76 of the spokes 70 may extend at an oblique angle to the longitudinal axis X of the implantable device 10 toward the distal end 16, such that the free ends 72 of the spokes 70 are positioned closer to the distal end 16 of the implantable device 10 than the base portion of the spokes 70 proximate the central longitudinal axis X. The configuration and/or arrangement of the spokes 70 may facilitate retention of the loop 56 of the snare 52 in engagement of the docking member 30 during retrieval of the implantable device 10. For example, the loop 56 may encircle one or more of the spokes 70 in addition to or instead of the neck portion 34.

Although not shown, the docking member 30 may also include a passage extending through a portion of the docking member 30 to receive a tether (described later herein). For example, a passage may extend through the one or more of the spokes 70 from a first side to a second side of the spoke 70, or a passage may extend through the neck portion 34 from a first side to a second side of the neck portion 34.

FIGS. 9A-9C illustrate another exemplary docking member 30 located at the proximal end 14 of the implantable device 10, similar to the docking member 30 illustrated in FIGS. 8A-8C. The docking member 30 shown in FIGS. 9A-9C may similarly include a plurality of spokes 70 extending radially from the longitudinal axis of the implantable device 10, with spaces defined between adjacent spokes 70, except the spokes 70 shown in FIGS. 9A-9C may have a width W less than the width of the spokes shown in FIGS. 8A-8C.

Although not shown, the docking member 30 may also include a passage extending through a portion of the docking member 30 to receive a tether (described later herein). For example, a passage may extend through the one or more of the spokes 70 from a first side to a second side of the spoke 70, or a passage may extend through the neck portion 34 from a first side to a second side of the neck portion 34.

FIGS. 10A-10C illustrate another exemplary docking member 30 located at the proximal end 14 of the implantable device 10, similar to the docking member 30 illustrated in FIGS. 8A-8C. The docking member 30 shown in FIGS. 10A-10C may similarly include a plurality of spokes 70 extending radially from the longitudinal axis of the implantable device 10, with spaces defined between adjacent spokes 70. The width W of the spokes 70 shown in FIGS. 10A-10C may increase from the base portion toward the free ends 72 of the spokes. In some embodiments, spaces having a width as viewed axially are defined between adjacent spokes 70 of the plurality of spokes 70. In some embodiments, the width of the spaces between adjacent free ends 72 may be greater than the width of the spaces between adjacent base portions, as seen in FIG. 10B. Thus, in instances in which the loop 56 of the snare 52 encircles one or more of the spokes 70, the enlarged free end 72 of the spokes 70 may prevent the loop 56 of the snare 52 from slipping off the spoke(s) 70 during retrieval of the implantable device 10.

Although not shown, the docking member 30 may also include a passage extending through a portion of the docking member 30 to receive a tether (described later herein). For example, a passage may extend through the one or more of the spokes 70 from a first side to a second side of the spoke 70, or a passage may extend through the neck portion 34 from a first side to a second side of the neck portion 34.

FIGS. 11A-11C illustrate another exemplary docking member 30 located at the proximal end 14 of the implantable device 10, similar to the docking member 30 illustrated in FIGS. 8A-8C. The docking member 30 shown in FIGS. 11A-11C may include a pair of spokes 70 extending radially from the longitudinal axis of the implantable device 10 in opposite directions. Similar to the spokes 70 shown in FIGS. 10A-10C, the width W of the spokes 70 shown in FIGS. 11A-11C may increase from the base portion toward the free ends 72 of the spokes. Thus, in instances in which the loop 56 of the snare 52 encircles one or more of the spokes 70, the enlarged free end 72 of the spokes 70 may prevent the loop 56 of the snare 52 from slipping off the spoke(s) 70 during retrieval of the implantable device 10.

Although not shown, the docking member 30 may also include a passage extending through a portion of the docking member 30 to receive a tether (described later herein). For example, a passage may extend through the one or more of the spokes 70 from a first side to a second side of the spoke 70, or a passage may extend through the neck portion 34 from a first side to a second side of the neck portion 34.

FIGS. 12A-12C illustrate another exemplary docking member 30 located at the proximal end 14 of the implantable device 10, similar to the docking member 30 illustrated in FIGS. 11A-11C. The docking member 30 shown in FIGS. 12A-12C may include a pair of spokes 70 extending radially from the longitudinal axis of the implantable device 10 in opposite directions. The free ends 72 of the spokes 70 may include a crossing member 74 extending transverse to the radial direction of the spokes 70. In some instances, the crossing member 74 may extend in opposite directions from the body of the spoke 70, or the crossing member 74 may extend in one transverse direction from the body of the spoke 70. For example, in some instances, the spokes 70 may have a T shape, a mushroom shape, an L shape, a V shape, or other desired shape. In some instances, the crossing member 74 may form an undercut 76 with the body of the spoke 70. The loop 56 of the snare 52 may be engaged in the undercuts 76 as the loop 56 is tightened around the spoke 70. In instances in which the loop 56 of the snare 52 encircles one or more of the spokes 70, the crossing member 74 at the free end 72 of the spokes 70 may prevent the loop 56 of the snare 52 from slipping off the spoke(s) 70 during retrieval of the implantable device 10.

Although not shown, the docking member 30 may also include a passage extending through a portion of the docking member 30 to receive a tether (described later herein). For example, a passage may extend through the one or more of the spokes 70 from a first side to a second side of the spoke 70, or a passage may extend through the neck portion 34 from a first side to a second side of the neck portion 34.

FIGS. 13A-13C illustrate another exemplary docking member 30 located at the proximal end 14 of the implantable device 10, similar to the docking member 30 illustrated in FIGS. 12A-12C. The docking member 30 shown in FIGS. 13A-13C may include a plurality of spokes 70 extending radially from the longitudinal axis of the implantable device 10, with spaces defined between adjacent spokes 70. The spokes 70 may be symmetrically or asymmetrically arranged around the longitudinal axis. For example, the head portion 32 may include three spokes 70 uniformly arranged around the longitudinal axis about 120 degrees apart. Similar to the spokes illustrated in FIGS. 12A-12C, the free ends 72 of the spokes 70 may include a crossing member 74 extending transverse to the radial direction of the spokes 70. In some instances, the crossing member 74 may extend in opposite directions from the body of the spoke 70, or the crossing member 74 may extend in one transverse direction from the body of the spoke 70. For example, in some instances, the spokes 70 may have a T shape, a mushroom shape, an L shape, a V shape, or other desired shape. In some instances, the crossing member 74 may form an undercut 76 with the body of the spoke 70. The loop 56 of the snare 52 may be engaged in the undercuts 76 as the loop 56 is tightened around the spoke 70. In instances in which the loop 56 of the snare 52 encircles one or more of the spokes 70, the crossing member 74 at the free end 72 of the spokes 70 may prevent the loop 56 of the snare 52 from slipping off the spoke(s) 70 during retrieval of the implantable device 10.

Although not shown, the docking member 30 may also include a passage extending through a portion of the docking member 30 to receive a tether (described later herein). For example, a passage may extend through the one or more of the spokes 70 from a first side to a second side of the spoke 70, or a passage may extend through the neck portion 34 from a first side to a second side of the neck portion 34.

FIGS. 14A-14C illustrate another exemplary docking member 30 located at the proximal end 14 of the implantable device 10, similar to the docking member 30 illustrated in FIGS. 8A-8C. The docking member 30 shown in FIGS. 14A-14C may similarly include a plurality of spokes 70 extending radially from the longitudinal axis of the implantable device 10, with spaces defined between adjacent spokes 70. The docking member 30 may include any number of radially extending spokes 70 symmetrically or asymmetrically arranged around the longitudinal axis of the implantable device 10. For example, the docking member 30 may include 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 or more radially extending spokes 70 in some instances.

As shown in FIG. 14C, the free ends 72 of the spokes 70 may include a distally projecting lip 78 relative to the body portion of the spokes 70. The distally projecting lips 78 may prevent the loop 56 of the snare 52 from slipping off the spoke(s) 70 during retrieval of the implantable device 10.

The configuration and/or arrangement of the spokes 70 may facilitate retention of the loop 56 of the snare 52 in engagement of the docking member 30 during retrieval of the implantable device 10. For example, the loop 56 may encircle one or more of the spokes 70 in addition to or instead of the neck portion 34.

In some instances it may be desirable to apply rotational motion to the implantable device 10 during delivery and/or retrieval of the implantable device 10. For example, in some embodiments such as the embodiment shown in FIG. 15A, the implantable device 10 may include a helical fixation anchor 90 at the distal end 16 of the housing 12 configured to be screwed into a tissue wall through rotational motion of the implantable device 10 to anchor the implantable device 10 to the heart H. In such instances, the docking member 30 may include an engagement feature configured to mate with an engagement feature of a delivery device to transfer rotational motion from a rotatable shaft of the delivery device to the implantable device 10.

For example, in the embodiment of FIGS. 15A-15C, the implantable device 10 may include a docking member 30 extending from the proximal end 14 of the housing 12 along a longitudinal axis of the housing 12. The docking member 30 may include a head portion 32 and a neck portion 34 extending between the housing 12 and the head portion 32. The head portion 32 may be an enlarged portion relative to the neck portion 34. For example, the head portion 32 may have a radial dimension from the longitudinal axis of the implantable device 10 which is greater than a radial dimension of the neck portion from the longitudinal axis of the implantable device 10.

The head portion 32 may include a recess 82 extending into the head portion 32 from a proximal surface 84 of the head portion 32. The recess 82 may be configured to receive a rotational driving instrument therein. For example, the recess 82 may be configured to receive a distal driver mechanism of a rotational driving instrument therein. In some instances, the recess 82 may extend generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the housing 12. In some embodiments, the recess 82 may extend across the head portion 32 from a first side of the head portion 32 to a second side of the head portion 32. As shown in FIG. 15C, the head portion 32 may include a distal surface 85 opposite the proximal surface 84 from which the neck portion 34 extends from. In some instances, the recess 82 may extend into the head portion 32 from the proximal surface 84 toward the distal surface 85, but does not extend to the distal surface 85. However, in other embodiments the recess 82 may extend to the distal surface 85.

The head portion 32 may also include a member 86 extending across the recess 82 dividing the recess 82 into a first recess portion 82 a on a first side of the member 86 and a second recess portion 82 b on a second side of the member 86. In some instances, the member 86 may extend generally perpendicular to the recess 82 and/or the longitudinal axis of the housing 12. As shown in FIGS. 15A-15C, in some instances the member 86 may be formed as a monolithic portion of the head portion 32 bridging across the recess 82. In other embodiments, however, the member 86 may be a separate component attached to the head portion 32.

A tether 80 may extend through a passage or aperture 87 beneath the member 86 defined by the recess 82 during delivery of the implantable device 10, with the passage or aperture 87 connecting the first recess portion 82 a and the second recess portion 82 b. For example, the tether 80 may be attached to the member 86 and extend proximally from the member 86 along an elongate shaft of a delivery device to a location accessible by a physician during implantation of the implantable device 10. Once the implantable device 10 has been properly implanted in the heart H, the tether 80 may be detached from the member 86 and withdrawn from the patient.

FIGS. 16A-16C illustrate another implantable device 10 including a helical fixation anchor 90 at the distal end 16 of the housing 12 configured to be screwed into a tissue wall through rotational motion of the implantable device 10 to anchor the implantable device 10 to the heart H. Similar to the embodiment of FIGS. 15A-15C, the docking member 30 may include an engagement feature configured to mate with an engagement feature of a delivery device to transfer rotational motion from a rotatable shaft of the delivery device to the implantable device 10.

For example, in the embodiment of FIGS. 16A-16C, the implantable device 10 may include a docking member 30 extending from the proximal end 14 of the housing 12 along a longitudinal axis of the housing 12. The docking member 30 may include a head portion 32 and a neck portion 34 extending between the housing 12 and the head portion 32. The head portion 32 may be an enlarged portion relative to the neck portion 34. For example, the head portion 32 may have a radial dimension from the longitudinal axis of the implantable device 10 which is greater than a radial dimension of the neck portion from the longitudinal axis of the implantable device 10.

The head portion 32 may include a recess 82 extending into the head portion 32 from a proximal surface 84 of the head portion 32. The recess 82 may be configured to receive a rotational driving instrument therein. For example, the recess 82 may be configured to receive a distal driver mechanism of a rotational driving instrument therein. In some instances, the recess 82 may extend generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the housing 12. In some embodiments, the recess 82 may extend across the head portion 32 from a first side of the head portion 32 to a second side of the head portion 32. As shown in FIG. 16C, the head portion 32 may include a distal surface 85 opposite the proximal surface 84 from which the neck portion 34 extends from. In some instances, the recess 82 may extend into the head portion 32 from the proximal surface 84 toward the distal surface 85, but does not extend to the distal surface 85. However, in other embodiments the recess 82 may extend to the distal surface 85.

The head portion 32 may also include a member extending across the recess 82 dividing the recess 82 into a first recess portion 82 a on a first side of the member and a second recess portion 82 b on a second side of the member. As shown in FIGS. 16A-16C, the member may be a pin 88 extending across the recess 82 or bridging across the recess 82. In some instances, the pin 88 may extend generally perpendicular to the recess 82 and/or the longitudinal axis of the housing 12. The pin 88 may be inserted through a hole 89 in the head portion 32 to position the pin 88 across the recess 82, for example.

A tether 80 may extend through a passage or aperture 87 beneath the pin 88 defined by the recess 82 during delivery of the implantable device 10, with the passage or aperture 87 connecting the first recess portion 82 a and the second recess portion 82 b. For example, the tether 80 may be attached to the pin 88 and extend proximally from the pin 88 along an elongate shaft of a delivery device to a location accessible by a physician during implantation of the implantable device 10. Once the implantable device 10 has been properly implanted in the heart H, the tether 80 may be detached from the pin 88 and withdrawn from the patient.

It is noted that in other embodiments the tether 80 may be attached to the docking member 30 (such as through a passage in the docking member 30) and extend proximally from the docking member 30 along an elongate shaft of a delivery device to a location accessible by a physician during implantation of the implantable device 10. Similarly, once the implantable device 10 has been properly implanted in the heart H, the tether 80 may be detached from the docking member 30 and withdrawn from the patient.

An exemplary delivery device 100 including a rotational driving instrument 102 and a delivery sheath 104 is illustrated in FIG. 17A. The rotational driving instrument 102 may include an elongate drive shaft 106 and a driver mechanism 108 at the distal end of the elongate drive shaft 106. The driver mechanism 108 may be configured for engagement with the head portion 32 of the docking member 30 to transfer rotational and/or longitudinal movement therebetween. The rotational driving instrument 102 may extend through a lumen 110 of the delivery sheath 104. The driving instrument 102 may be rotatable and longitudinally movable relative to the delivery sheath 104. The delivery sheath 104 may be sized such that the implantable device 10 may be positioned in a distal region of the lumen 110, with the driving instrument 102 engaged with a proximal portion of the implantable device 10 and extending proximally therefrom.

The driver mechanism 108 may include a pusher 112, such as a plate, located at the distal end of the elongate shaft 106 having a distal end surface 116 configured to engage the proximal surface 84 of the docking member 30. The driver mechanism 108 may also include one or more, or a plurality of protuberances, such as lugs 114, extending distally from the distal end surface 116 of the pusher 112, or otherwise arranged. For example, the driver mechanism 108 shown in FIG. 17A includes a first lug 114 and a second lug 114 spaced from the first lug 114 and extending in a distal direction from the distal end surface 116 of the pusher 112. The lug(s) 114 may be configured to engage in the recess 82 of the head portion 32 of the docking member 30.

The rotational driving instrument 102 may also include a lumen 118 extending therethrough. For example, the lumen 118 may extend through the elongate shaft 106 to an opening in the distal end surface 116 of the pusher 112 of the driver mechanism 108. The lumen 118 may be configured to receive the tether 80 therethrough such that the tether 80 may extend along the delivery device 100 to a proximal region of the delivery device 100 through the driving instrument 102. In other instances, the tether 80 may extend along the delivery device 100 through the lumen 110 of the delivery sheath 104 and external of the driving instrument 102, for example.

FIG. 17B illustrates an exemplary interaction between the delivery device 100 and the implantable device 10 with the docking member 30 shown in FIGS. 15A-15C during delivery and implantation of the implantable device 10 in a heart H, or other desired anatomy. As shown in FIG. 17B, the implantable device 10 may be positioned in the lumen 110 of the delivery sheath 104 with the driving instrument 102 engaged with the docking member 30. For instance, the distal end surface 116 of the pusher 112 may abut the proximal surface 84 of the head portion 32 of the docking member 30 while the first lug 114 is positioned in the first recess portion 82 a on a first side of the member 86 and the second lug 114 is positioned in the second recess portion 82 b on a second side of the member 86.

Accordingly, with the driver mechanism 108 engaged to the docking member 30, rotational movement of the driving instrument 102 may be transferred to the implantable device 10 to screw the helical fixation anchor 90 into a tissue wall and/or unscrew the helical fixation anchor 90 from a tissue wall.

FIG. 17C illustrates an exemplary interaction between the delivery device 100 and the implantable device 10 with the docking member 30 shown in FIGS. 16A-16C during delivery and implantation of the implantable device 10 in a heart H, or other desired anatomy. In many respects the interaction may be similar to that described above regarding FIG. 17B. However, in FIG. 17C, the member extending across the recess 82 is shown as a pin 88. Accordingly, when the driver mechanism 108 is engaged to the docking member 30, the distal end surface 116 of the pusher 112 may abut the proximal surface 84 of the head portion 32 of the docking member 30 while the first lug 114 is positioned in the first recess portion 82 a on a first side of the pin 88 and the second lug 114 is positioned in the second recess portion 82 b on a second side of the pin 88.

Accordingly, with the driver mechanism 108 engaged to the docking member 30, rotational movement of the driving instrument 102 may be transferred to the implantable device 10 to screw the helical fixation anchor 90 into a tissue wall and/or unscrew the helical fixation anchor 90 from a tissue wall.

FIGS. 18A-18D illustrate alternative embodiments of a driver mechanism 108 for a rotational driving instrument 102 configured to mate with a docking member of an implantable device, such as one or more of the docking members 30 of the implantable device 10, described herein.

The driver mechanism 108 shown in FIGS. 18A-18C may be similar to the driver mechanism 108 shown in FIGS. 17A-17C. For example, the rotational driving instrument 102 may include an elongate drive shaft 106 and a driver mechanism 108 at the distal end of the elongate drive shaft 106. The driver mechanism 108 may be configured for engagement with the head portion 32 of the docking member 30 to transfer rotational and/or longitudinal movement therebetween. The rotational driving instrument 102 may extend through a lumen 110 of the delivery sheath 104 (shown in FIG. 17A).

The driver mechanism 108 may include a pusher 112 having a distal end surface 116 configured to engage the proximal surface 84 of the docking member 30 and one or more, or a plurality of protuberances, such as lugs 114, extending distally from the distal end surface 116 of the pusher 112. For example, the driver mechanism 108 shown in FIG. 18A includes four equally spaced apart lugs 114, the driver mechanism 108 shown in FIG. 18B includes three equally spaced apart lugs 114, and the driver mechanism 108 shown in FIG. 18C includes four equally spaced apart lugs 114 extending in a distal direction from the distal end surface 116 of the pusher 112. The lug(s) 114 may be configured to extend into openings between adjacent spokes 70 of the docking members 30 described herein, and engage in the spokes 70 of the head portion 32 of the docking member 30 to transfer rotational torque therebetween.

The rotational driving instrument 102 may also include a lumen 118 extending through the elongate shaft 106 configured to receive the tether 80 therethrough such that the tether 80 may extend along the delivery device 100 to a proximal region of the delivery device 100 through the driving instrument 102. In other instances, the tether 80 may extend along the delivery device 100 through the lumen 110 of the delivery sheath 104 and external of the driving instrument 102, for example.

The shape, size, quantity and arrangement of the lugs 114 may be chosen to complement and mate with the shape, size, quantity and arrangement of spokes 70 of the docking member 30. For example, the lugs 114 shown in FIG. 18C, may be triangular or wedge shaped to fit between adjacent spokes 70 of the docking member 30 shown in FIG. 8A, 9A, 10A or 14A. In other instances, the shape of the lugs 114 may be chosen to complement and mate with the spokes 70 shown in FIG. 11A, 12A or 13A, for example.

In other instances, as shown in FIG. 18D, the driver mechanism 108 of the rotational driving instrument 102 may include a socket 120 shaped, sized and configured to mate with the head portion 32 of the docking member 30 to transfer rotational torque therebetween. For example, as shown in FIG. 18D, the socket 120 may include opposing arcuate edges and opposing flat edges extending between the arcuate edges, configured to complement the shape and size of the docking member 30 shown in FIG. 4A. The flat edges of the socket 120 may engage the flat sides of the docking member 30 to transfer rotational torque therebetween. It is noted that in some instances, the socket 120 may include a single flat side for engagement with a flat side of the docking member 30.

In other instances, the socket 120 may have another shape, size and configuration to mate with the head portion 32 of another docking member 30. For example, the socket 120 may include a complementary shape, size and configuration to the head portion 32 of the docking member 30 shown in FIG. 8A, 9A, 10A, 11A, 12A, 13A or 14A such that the head portion 32 of the docking member 30 fits into the socket 120. The socket 120 may include at least one edge or surface configured to engage a surface of the head portion 32 of the docking member 30 to transfer rotational torque therebetween.

Those skilled in the art will recognize that aspects of the present disclosure may be manifested in a variety of forms other than the specific embodiments described and contemplated herein. Accordingly, departure in form and detail may be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the present disclosure as described in the appended claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. An implantable leadless cardiac pacing device, comprising: a housing having a proximal end, a distal end, and defining a central longitudinal axis; one or more electrodes associated with the housing; a pulse generator providing electrical signals to the one or more electrodes to provide electrical stimulation to cardiac tissue; and a docking member extending from the proximal end of the housing, the docking member being configured to facilitate delivery of the implantable leadless cardiac pacing device; wherein the docking member includes a neck portion extending proximally from the housing coaxially with the central longitudinal axis and a plurality of spokes extending radially outward from the neck portion; wherein each spoke includes a base portion adjacent the neck portion and a free end; wherein a width of each spoke at the free end as viewed axially is greater than a width of each spoke at the base portion as viewed axially.
 2. The implantable leadless cardiac pacing device of claim 1, wherein spaces having a width as viewed axially are defined between adjacent spokes of the plurality of spokes, the width of the spaces between adjacent free ends being greater than the width of the spaces between adjacent base portions.
 3. The implantable leadless cardiac pacing device of claim 1, wherein the plurality of spokes is axially spaced apart from the proximal end of the housing.
 4. The implantable leadless cardiac pacing device of claim 1, wherein the plurality of spokes includes 3 or more spokes.
 5. The implantable leadless cardiac pacing device of claim 1, wherein the plurality of spokes is symmetrically arranged around the central longitudinal axis.
 6. The implantable leadless cardiac pacing device of claim 1, wherein the plurality of spokes is asymmetrically arranged around the central longitudinal axis.
 7. The implantable leadless cardiac pacing device of claim 1, further including a helical fixation anchor at the distal end of the housing.
 8. The implantable leadless cardiac pacing device of claim 1, wherein the docking member is configured to mate with a driver mechanism of a delivery device to transfer rotational movement from the driver mechanism to the implantable leadless cardiac pacing device.
 9. The implantable leadless cardiac pacing device of claim 8, wherein the docking member is further configured to engage with the driver mechanism of the delivery device to transfer longitudinal movement from the driver mechanism to the implantable leadless cardiac pacing device.
 10. An implantable leadless cardiac pacing device, comprising: a housing having a proximal end, a distal end, and defining a central longitudinal axis; one or more electrodes associated with the housing; a pulse generator providing electrical signals to the one or more electrodes to provide electrical stimulation to cardiac tissue; and a docking member extending from the proximal end of the housing; wherein the docking member includes a neck portion extending proximally from the housing coaxially with the central longitudinal axis and three or more spokes extending radially outward from the neck portion; wherein each spoke includes a base portion adjacent the neck portion and a free end; wherein spaces having a width as viewed axially are defined between adjacent spokes of the three or more spokes, the width of the spaces between adjacent free ends being greater than the width of the spaces between adjacent base portions.
 11. The implantable leadless cardiac pacing device of claim 10, wherein a distally-facing surface of the free end of each spoke is disposed axially closer to the distal end of the housing than a distally-facing surface of the base portion of each spoke.
 12. The implantable leadless cardiac pacing device of claim 10, wherein the free end of each spoke includes an enlarged portion configured to retain a snare of a snare device.
 13. The implantable leadless cardiac pacing device of claim 10, further including a helical fixation anchor at the distal end of the housing.
 14. The implantable leadless cardiac pacing device of claim 10, wherein the docking member is further configured to mate with a driver mechanism of a delivery device to transfer rotational movement from the driver mechanism to the implantable leadless cardiac pacing device during delivery of the implantable leadless cardiac pacing device.
 15. An implantable leadless cardiac pacing device, comprising: a housing having a proximal end, a distal end, and defining a central longitudinal axis; one or more electrodes associated with the housing; a pulse generator providing electrical signals to the one or more electrodes to provide electrical stimulation to cardiac tissue; and a docking member extending from the proximal end of the housing, the docking member being configured to facilitate delivery and retrieval of the implantable leadless cardiac pacing device; wherein the docking member includes a neck portion extending proximally from the housing coaxially with the central longitudinal axis and three or more spokes extending laterally away from the neck portion and symmetrically arranged circumferentially about the central longitudinal axis; wherein each spoke includes a base portion adjacent the neck portion and a free end opposite the base portion relative to the neck portion; wherein spaces having a width as viewed axially are defined between adjacent spokes of the three or more spokes, the width between adjacent free ends being greater than the width between adjacent base portions.
 16. The implantable leadless cardiac pacing device of claim 15, wherein each spoke includes a first side and a second side, the first and second sides each having at least one substantially planar surface oriented parallel to the central longitudinal axis.
 17. The implantable leadless cardiac pacing device of claim 15, wherein the free end of each spoke includes an enlarged portion configured to retain a snare of a snare device.
 18. The implantable leadless cardiac pacing device of claim 15, wherein a driver mechanism of a delivery device is configured to mate with the docking member to transfer rotational and longitudinal movement from the driver mechanism to the implantable leadless cardiac pacing device during delivery of the implantable leadless cardiac pacing device.
 19. The implantable leadless cardiac pacing device of claim 15, further including a helical fixation anchor at the distal end of the housing.
 20. The implantable leadless cardiac pacing device of claim 15, wherein the free end of each spoke is disposed radially outward of the neck portion. 